“I know all about the despair of overcoming chronic temptation. It is not serious, provided self-offended petulance, annoyance at breaking records, impatience, etc., don’t get the upper hand. No amount of falls will really undo us if we keep picking ourselves up each time…The only fatal thing is to lose one’s temper and give up.”
– C.S. Lewis, Letters, January 20 1942

Well, I don’t have much to say, even though it has been a couple days since I wrote in here…I slept in today, and then did some Stats homework. I did accomplish something, but at the end I was discouraged because it seemed like I had so little to show considering the amount of time. So, I’ve posted the above quote because I often feel like giving up… I’m off to bed, and I’ll pick myself up in the morning! 🙂

Well two days into the New Week. Today was my day off, so I cracked open the big ‘ol Chemistry Lab kit that I received a couple weeks ago. I did the first ‘make-sure-you-remember-how-to-do-a-lab experiment: The Candle Experiment. Its several simple exercises using a lit candle, some foil, ice and a couple jars. I really hoped to be done it real quick, so that I could do a ‘real’ experiment, but it took much longer than it was anticipated to and *should have* taken. I just uploaded it to my tutor now. I also went to class and did some stats.. But I’m constantly discouraged with myself for how little I get done.

Here’s some photos from my first ‘lab experiment’ Even though it was simple, I still learned something- tinfoil between the candle and the flame will actually cause the flame to go out. This is apparently because the combustion draws up oxygen, and so now the oxygen supply is cut off from the reaction. Something like that….

I’ve been pretty discouraged lately with myself. Why can I not get “more done”? I am *trying* to study basic Chemistry and basic Statistics while working. I see some friends on Facebook posting their weight loss/workout goals online, and giving updates on a regular basis. I thought what a great idea- once you post a goal for people to see, most people would be more likely to stick with it. Peer pressure- the good kind. I know I really enjoy reading of other people’s successes (and failures). It helps me to know other people are going through something similar, plus I can get good ideas to incorporate in my own life.

So, what I have in mind is to write a little bit every day I can on here, and update how my journey in school work is going.. Some days I might just write a line or two or post a photo.

Right now, my goal is to noticeably improve my study habits and routine in the next two weeks.